Hi guys I was wondering what your recommendations were for a nice western saddle type for trail riding. I know a lot of companies make trail saddles, but I see a lot of them without a tree, would really like a tree on my saddle. I was wondering about the "stockman" saddles, anybody have one of those, what are they like? I live on a farm, ride out on the farm, alone, so would really like a safe secure saddle, something with a nice deep seat that will help keep me secure over all kinds of terrain. Would a roping or cutting saddle be a good saddle to invest in? I don't normally ride for more than one or two hours at a time, but don't want to be uncomfy during my ride. I don't normally go faster than a canter, but would like to teach myself to have the guts to help with the catlle gathers - I'm a bit of a nervous Nellie.
So anyways, any recommendations?

nvr2many

12-06-2012 12:32 PM

Oh fun, saddle shopping!!! Not familiar with that saddle. What is your budget like??

nvr2many

12-06-2012 12:37 PM

I googled stockman and got a lot of Australian saddles. Is that the type you are looking for?

bsms

12-06-2012 12:44 PM

What is your budget? Will you try roping in it? Are there any saddles you've used that you like?

Options range from an Abetta on up. If you want to rope someday, then you would want a saddle built for the stress, and most trail saddles are not.

What type of horse do you have or expect to use?

By a 'stockman saddle', do you mean what are sometimes called 'ranch saddles'?

Look for one with sharp forks. These can help you stay in the saddle if the horse stumbles. The low sloping shoulders of the roper don't do this. You don't need a rawhide wrapped tree unless you plan on moving fallen trees. The Ralide tree is good and considerably lighter than the rawhide wrapped tree.

kitten_Val

12-07-2012 11:08 AM

Loved my Alamo (trail model). Was very comfy, decent price, and good quality (looked new after several years of use). Plus it was light (for the leather saddle :) ).